You Won't Believe What NFL Insider Just Said About Commanders LB Sonny Styles—Prepare to Be Shocked!

The Washington Commanders made a bold move during the 2026 NFL Draft, swiftly choosing Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles with the No. 7 overall pick. General Manager Adam Peters faced immense pressure, having only six total picks in the draft, with no additional first-round selections. When NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the choice, the excitement was palpable among the fanbase, as the entirety of Raise Hail Nation let out a collective breath, followed by shouts of joy.

Styles is not your typical linebacker, which raised eyebrows among some coaches and executives. Originally starting his college career as a safety before transitioning to linebacker, this shift has led to skepticism about his suitability for the role. However, acclaimed NFL analyst Greg Cosell came to Styles' defense, underscoring his remarkable athleticism. “His athletic testing was kind of ridiculous,” Cosell noted. “I mean, the guy is 6'5", 244 pounds at the combine. He ran a 4.46, had a 43.5" vertical, and an 11'2" broad jump. Those numbers are in the top four going back nearly 30 years at the Combine.”

Cosell further emphasized that Styles has only been a stack linebacker for two years. “He went to Ohio State as a safety and, I mean, he got better,” he added. After observing Styles last summer, Cosell contacted a scout familiar with the Big Ten, who affirmed his impressive abilities. “I said, ‘Hey, I just watched Sonny Styles, and this guy is ridiculous.’ And the scout said to me, ‘Oh yeah, yeah, he sure is,’” Cosell recounted.

Styles' experience in a defense led by NFL coach Matt Patricia gives him a unique edge, as he’s already familiar with professional expectations. Cosell likened Styles to 49ers linebacker Fred Warner but pointed out that Styles is larger. “He’s significantly bigger than Warner, who was big for his position already,” Cosell explained. The analyst expressed confidence in Styles' fit within Coach Dan Quinn’s defensive scheme, attributing this to his physical prowess and versatility. “Because he’s so physically gifted, there’s even a positionalist element to his game as well,” Cosell said. “You could line him up over the slot, which he did at times. There’s a lot you can do with him, but at his core, he’s a stack backer.”

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Styles' game is not just his size or athletic ability, but also his versatility and leadership. As analysts and scouts have noted, his capacity to diagnose plays could lead him to earn the coveted green dot on his helmet, a sign that he is trusted to relay defensive calls. Given these attributes, discussions have already emerged surrounding his potential candidacy for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Styles is not merely viewed as a promising draft pick; he is seen as a player who could exhibit long-term loyalty to the franchise if developed correctly.

This selection comes at a crucial time for the Commanders, who are eager to build a competitive roster. With Sonny Styles in the mix, the hope is that he will not only strengthen the defense but also become an integral part of the team's future. As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, finding players who can adapt and excel in multiple roles will be essential for success, making Styles a player to watch in the upcoming season.